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Thread
Identification
Guide
At Trimantec, our sales department gets a number
of questions regarding technical specs for industrial
parts. One of the concepts that seems to stump a
lot of people is port threads. While we already have
an in-depth blog post that walks users through the
process of identifying threads, we decided to go one
step further and create an interactive PDF.

In this PDF you’ll find all the same useful information

from our original blog plus interactive navigation
and a section dedicated to emergency thread work-
arounds. Enjoy!

How to Emergency
Thread Size
Identify a Work
Charts
Thread Arounds
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Identifying Threads
It’s important to identify the specific thread type you need in order Tools You’ll Need
for your equipment to function at its best. Pneumatic components
such as air cylinders, valves, and air preparation units come
equipped with specific port threads. For example, the pneumatic • Caliper
components we offer in our web store are available with either NPT,
PT or G port threads. • Pitch Gauge

Choosing the correct thread type will ensure optimum compatibility • Thread Size Charts
with your equipment. At a glance, threads may look similar. But take
a closer look and you’ll notice the very subtle differences that would
make them incompatible with one another. For example, G threads
are not compatible with M threads nor NPT threads because of
their differing angles, shapes, and thread pitches (threads per inch).

We have compiled a simple step-by-step guide to help you identify

your thread type. In addition, we’ll cover some of the most common
port thread types including NPT/NPTF, BSPP (also known as G),
BSPT, PT, Metric (M) and SAE. You’ll need a couple tools on hand to
make the process easier, but a straight steel ruler may work as well.

Caliper Pitch Gauge

A caliper is a useful tool that A pitch gauge measures the
measures the outside diameter threads per inch. For metric
of a male thread and inside threads, this tool measures the
diameter of a female thread. distance between the threads.
Using a caliper will give you
the most accurate and precise
measurements.
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Identifying Threads
1 Male Threads v.
Female Threads
First, you’ll need to identify
whether the thread type is
male or female. Take a look at
where the threads are located.
If they’re on the outside of
the thread, it’s a male thread.
If they’re on the inside of the
thread, it’s a female thread.
2
Tapered v.
Parallel Threads
Next, determine if the thread
is tapered or parallel. Tapered
threads become narrower as
they extend outward while
parallel threads remain the
same diameter. Sometimes this
characteristic can be determined
through visual inspection, but if
not a caliper can come in handy.
Use the caliper to measure the
first, fourth, and final full thread.
If the measurements are all the
same, then it’s parallel. If the
measurements decrease in size,
then it’s tapered.
TECTALK BLOG
NPT/NPTF, BSPT, and Metric
Tapered are examples of tapered
threads. These threads create
a seal through metal-to-metal
wedging or slight deformation of
the threads. Parallel threads will
often require an o-ring or thread
tape to ensure a tight seal.
Tapered
Parallel
3 Pitch Size
The next step in identifying your
thread type is to determine the
pitch size. A thread’s pitch size
is the number of threads per
inch or the distance between
threads on metric thread types.
While a ruler could be used to
calculate the pitch size, a pitch
gauge is highly recommended as
pitch sizes can be very similar.
Test a couple different sizes with
a pitch gauge to find the best
match.
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4 Thread Diameter
After you’ve figured out the
pitch size, you’ll need to
determine the thread diameter.
Using the caliper again, measure
the outside diameter on a male
thread and inside diameter
on a female thread. If you
find that your measurements
don’t exactly line up with the
measurements in the thread size
charts, this is okay. There will
inevitably be small variations
due to different manufacturers.
5 Thread Type
Standard
The final step in identifying your
thread type is to identify the
thread type standard. NPT, PT,
and G are all examples of thread
type standards. Gather the
information from the previous
steps and compare it with the
measurements in the thread size
charts included in this PDF.
View Thread
Size Charts
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Thread Size Charts

NPT/NPTF Thread Type – National Pipe Tapered Fuel
This thread type is most commonly used in North America. You’ll recognize it by its tapered
outer and inner diameter which is self-sealing. When torqued the flanks of the threads
compress against each other forming a leak-tight seal. However, it is still recommended to
use PTFE tape or another sealant compound to guarantee a completely leak-tight seal.

A semi-compatible variant of NPT is NPTF (National Pipe Taper Fuel). It ensures an even
more leak-free seal. But it is important to note that using these variants together diminishes
their leak-free characteristics. NPT threads should be burr-free and lubricated using
lubricating paste or tape. Doing so limits corrosion on the threads which otherwise can make
future disassembly nearly impossible.

Dash Size Male Thread Male Thread Female Thread Female Thread
(Nominal Size) Thread Pitch O.D. mm O.D. inches I.D. mm I.D. inches
-02 (1/8) 27 10.3 0.41 9.4 0.37
-04 (1/4) 18 13.7 0.54 12.4 0.49
-06 (3/8) 18 17.3 0.68 15.7 0.62
-08 (1/2) 14 21.3 0.84 19.3 0.76
-10 (5/8) 14 22.9 0.90 21.1 0.83
-12 (3/4) 14 26.9 1.06 24.9 0.98
-16 (1) 11½ 33.3 1.31 31.5 1.24
-20 (1 ¼) 11½ 42.2 1.66 40.1 1.58
-24 (1 ½) 11½ 48.3 1.90 46.2 1.82
-32 (2) 11½ 60.4 2.38 57.9 2.29

NPT Thread JIS/PT Thread Metric Thread

BSP Thread SAE Thread

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Thread Size Charts

BSP Thread Type - British Standard Pipe
This is a standard thread type that has been adopted internationally for interconnecting
and sealing pipe ends. You’ll find it used all throughout Europe. There are two types of BSP
threads, BSPP and BSPT. BSPP refers to parallel or straight threads. Meanwhile, BSPT refers
to tapered threads. Sometimes BSPP threads are referred to as G threads and BSPT threads
as R threads. Are you confused yet?

Note: JIS tapered pipe thread (PT thread) is interchangeable with BSPT thread.
Dash Size Male Thread Male Thread Female Thread Female Thread
(Nominal Size) Thread Pitch O.D. mm O.D. inches I.D. mm I.D. inches
-02 (1/8) 28 9.7 0.38 8.9 0.35
-04 (1/4) 19 13.2 0.52 11.9 0.47
-06 (3/8) 19 16.5 0.65 15.2 0.60
-08 (1/2) 14 20.8 0.82 19.1 0.75
-10 (5/8) 14 22.4 0.88 20.3 0.80
-12 (3/4) 14 26.4 1.04 24.6 0.97
-16 (1) 11 33.0 1.30 31.0 1.22
-20 (1 ¼) 11 41.9 1.65 39.6 1.56
-24 (1 ½) 11 47.8 1.88 45.5 1.79
-32 (2) 11 59.7 2.35 57.4 2.26

NPT Thread JIS/PT Thread Metric Thread

BSP Thread SAE Thread

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Thread Size Charts

JIS Tapered Pipe Thread Type – PT
PT thread type is identical and interchangeable with BSPT thread type. However, since the
male PT thread does not have a 30-degree flare, it will not mate with the BSPP female swivel
with conical seat. Also, we recommended using thread sealant with PT threads to ensure a
leak-free seal.

Dash Size Male Thread Male Thread Female Thread Female Thread
(Nominal Size) Thread Pitch O.D. mm O.D. inches I.D. mm I.D. inches
-02 (1/8) 28 9.4 0.37 8.1 0.32
-04 (1/4) 19 13.7 0.53 12.4 0.49
-06 (3/8) 19 17.2 0.68 16 0.62
-08 (1/2) 14 21.5 0.84 19.8 0.77
-10 (5/8) 14 23.1 0.91 20.6 0.81
-12 (3/4) 14 26.9 1.06 25.4 1
-16 (1) 11 34 1.34 31.8 1.25
-20 (1 ¼) 11 42.6 1.68 40.4 1.59
-24 (1 ½) 11 48.5 1.9 46.2 1.81
-32 (2) 11 60.4 2.37 58.2 2.29

NPT Thread JIS/PT Thread Metric Thread

BSP Thread SAE Thread

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Thread Size Charts

SAE Thread Type – Straight Thread O-Ring Boss
SAE straight threads are able to seal because of the 90-durometer Buna-N “O” Ring. This is
a highly reliable and reusable thread type. While some thread types require the threads of
the male and female end to crush together to form a seal, the O-Ring on this thread type
prevents that.

Dash Size Thread Male Thread Male Thread Female Thread Female Thread
(Nominal Size) Pitch O.D. mm O.D. inches I.D. mm I.D. inches
-02 (1/8) 24 3.9 0.31 6.9 0.27
-03 (3/16) 24 9.6 0.38 8.6 0.34
-04 (1/4) 20 11.2 0.44 9.9 0.39
-05 (5/16) 20 12.7 0.5 11.4 0.45
-06 (3/8) 18 14.2 0.56 12.9 0.51
-08 (1/2) 16 19 0.75 17 0.67
-10 (5/8) 14 22.3 0.88 20.3 0.8
-12 (3/4) 12 26.9 1.06 24.9 0.98
-14 (7/8) 12 30 1.18 27.7 1.09
-16 (1) 12 33.3 1.31 31 1.22
-20 (1 ¼) 12 41.4 1.63 39.1 1.54
-24 (1 ½) 12 47.7 1.88 45.5 1.79
-32 (2) 12 63.5 2.5 61.2 2.41

NPT Thread JIS/PT Thread Metric Thread

BSP Thread SAE Thread

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Thread Size Charts

Metric Tapered/Parallel Thread Type
Metric thread type is most common in Europe. It has a cylindrical inner and outer diameter
precise in millimeters. The fine taper of metric tapered thread allows for the best possible
force transmission. In writing, you can identify metric threads by a capital “M” plus an
indication of their nominal outside diameter (ex. M22 x 1.5). Lastly, when measuring pitch
size make sure you’re using a metric pitch gauge.

SI Metric
Port Size mm Thread Pitch mm Male Thread O.D. mm Male Thread O.D. inches
M5 × 0,8 .8 5 0.1968
M8 × 1,0 1 8 0.3150
M10 × 1,0 1 10 0.3937
M12 × 1,5 1.5 12 0.4724
M14 × 1,5 1.5 14 0.5512
M16 × 1,5 1.5 16 0.6299
M18 × 1,5 1.5 18 0.7087
M22 × 1,5 1.5 22 0.8661
M27 × 2,0 2 27 1.063
M33 × 2,0 2 33 1.299
M42 × 2,0 2 42 1.654
M50 × 2,0 2 50 1.969
M60 × 2,0 2 60 2.362

NPT Thread JIS/PT Thread Metric Thread

BSP Thread SAE Thread

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Thread Work-Arounds
Airtac offers a variety of cost-effective replacement pneumatic
Shop Valves
parts. However, it can be a challenge finding the exact part you
need to replace especially since their products are not labeled with
full part numbers. Luckily our product specialists can guide you
through figuring out what part you have on hand.

One crucial piece of information our parts specialists need to know

is the thread type. With Airtac you have three options: NPT, PT, or
G (BSPP). But when you have a machine down, the last thing you
want to do is take out your measuring tools and charts to find what Shop Cylinders
threads are on your solenoid valve. Here’s how we can get around
all that.

1. Do you know where your equipment was manufactured?

If your equipment is originally from China, 9 times out of 10 you’ll
need PT threads. If it was manufactured in North America, then
you’re safe to go with NPT threads. You may need to reference
the user manual to find this information or contact the original
equipment manufacturer.

2. Does your product require fittings? Shop Grippers

Let’s say your have a pneumatic filter with NPT threads. It may be
possible to simply replace these fittings to make them compatible
with a PT threaded product.

3. For dire situations, use sealant tape.

As a last resort, you can use sealant tape to mate PT and NPT
threads together. We recommend this as a last resort though.

Shop Air Prep